Assistant Minister for Defence visits Army personnel at Edinburgh

The Assistant Minister for Defence, Mr Stuart Robert MP, today visited soldiers from the Australian Army’s 1st Brigade based at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in Adelaide.

Mr Robert began the visit by taking part in a physical training session with soldiers from the Brigade’s 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (7 RAR), many of whom have recently returned from active service in Afghanistan.

“I enjoyed meeting the talented and skilled men and women of 7 RAR, and trying to keep up with them during PT,” Mr Robert said.

“7 RAR undertakes domestic, regional and international operations in support of Australia’s national interests, and I wish those members currently deployed a safe return home.”

7 RAR is one of Army’s seven regular conventional infantry battalions and comprises more than 700 personnel. While it is part of the 1^st Brigade, which has its headquarters in Darwin, 7 RAR moved to the Horseshoe Barracks at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in Adelaide at the start of 2011.

Brigadier Chris Field, Chief of Staff Forces Command, hosted Mr Robert and welcomed the opportunity to meet the Minister as he settles into his role.

“Minister Robert’s visit provided an excellent opportunity for the personnel to demonstrate their exceptional capabilities, and also for the Minister to closely inspect our improved infrastructure,” Brigadier Field said.

The facilities at Edinburgh include Horseshoe Barracks, a sports complex and gym, a mess complex, simulation centre, health centre, close training area and a multi-purpose conference facility.

“Inspecting the precinct’s Hardened and Networked Army facilities was an important part of the visit, as it provided good insights into the Army’s initiative to increase the strength of units and increase the time they can be deployed,” Mr Robert said.

Lieutenant Colonel Mal Wells, Commanding Officer of 7 RAR, said he appreciated the opportunity to showcase the battalion following its return from Afghanistan.

Mr Robert is conducting familiarisation visits to Defence establishments across the country in his new role. The visit to the 1st Brigade personnel at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct is his first as Assistant Minister for Defence.

Media contacts: 

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert’s Office): 0477 391 174

Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999